08/09/2026
When you go to the fair, don’t forget the livestock barns.
No, there’s no fancy midway down there.
No carnival games.
Usually no food stands (although you might get lucky and find a local 4-H group nearby serving up some delicious food)
But there’s something pretty special happening inside those barns.
Walk through and you’ll see kids of all ages working alongside animals four times their size.
You might find one taking a much needed nap curled up next to one of their animals.
You’ll see kids taking on responsibilities that many adults have never had. Feeding, watering, washing, multitasking 3-4 things at once , and making sure their animals are comfortable long before they worry about themselves.
Ask one of them a question.
Watch the quiet kid suddenly become animated as they tell you about their animal. Ask its name, what breed it is, what it eats, how long they’ve had it, or what it takes to get it ready for the show ring. You might be surprised by how much they know and how excited they are that someone stopped to ask.
Look at the educational displays. Read the signs. Look through the photos exhibitors have put out. Walk slowly down the aisles instead of just passing through.
And then step back for a minute and watch.
Because chances are, somewhere in that barn, you’ll see multiple generations working side by side. Grandparents, parents, kids, siblings, mentors and friends. Teaching each other. Helping each other. Carrying on traditions while making new ones.
Those barns aren’t filled with just livestock.
They’re filled with hard work, responsibility, knowledge, memories, traditions, and a whole lot of heart.
So when you visit one a fair this year, enjoy the rides. Eat the fair food. Play the games.
But make sure you find your way to the livestock barns, too.
Come walk our aisles. Ask us questions. Learn something new.
We’re all pretty proud of our livestock that we bring to exhibit at the fairs.
*borrowed from another page*
